Core Perspective - The article highlights the significance of Mao Yan in contemporary Chinese art, particularly in portrait painting, emphasizing his unique blend of classical European techniques and Eastern introspection [1][9]. Group 1: Artistic Style and Techniques - Mao Yan's works are characterized by a meticulous portrayal of human subjects, utilizing a high gray tone that creates a deep and ambiguous visual experience [5][6]. - His portraits often blur the boundaries between the subject and background, presenting figures as "souls rather than entities," which adds a layer of emotional restraint [6][9]. - The artist's technique involves complex layering of colors to achieve a rich gray, symbolizing a minimalist approach to material desires and reflecting contemporary interpretations of Eastern aesthetics [4][6]. Group 2: Evolution of Themes - Mao Yan's artistic journey reflects a transition from traditional realism to a more abstract exploration of human essence, as seen in his "Thomas series," where identity markers are stripped away to focus on spiritual symbolism [7][10]. - His later works show a shift towards themes involving the female form and ordinary Chinese individuals, indicating a return to figurative representation after a period of abstraction [10]. Group 3: Market Recognition and Value - Mao Yan's artworks have consistently appreciated in value, with notable auction results such as the 2006 sale of "Youth Guo Li - In Memory of Delacroix" for 1.716 million RMB and the 2023 sale of "Gray Rose - The Youth of Ma Yu" for 10.465 million RMB, reflecting strong market demand [8]. - His academic standing is reinforced by participation in prestigious exhibitions and awards, which contribute to the perceived value of his works among collectors [8][9]. Group 4: Cultural Significance - Mao Yan's work serves as a crucial bridge for understanding contemporary Chinese art on the international stage, merging Western oil painting traditions with Eastern philosophical elements [9][10]. - His philosophy emphasizes the connection between an artist's ideals and their inherent nature, suggesting that true artistic expression transcends contemporary trends [10].

Core Perspective - Liu Xiaodong is a representative figure of contemporary realism in Chinese oil painting, known as the pioneer of "new realism" and has gained significant attention from collectors since the 1990s [1] Group 1: Artistic Philosophy and Techniques - Liu Xiaodong's work is rooted in realism, focusing on the survival states of ordinary people and the subtle textures of societal changes, employing a "现场写生" (on-site sketching) approach [2] - His art emphasizes deep engagement with reality rather than grand narratives, highlighting the lives of marginalized individuals such as migrant workers and gamblers [2] - His technique combines classical oil painting rigor with modern artistic freedom, often completing sketches in one go to preserve the original vitality of brushstrokes [3] Group 2: Market Performance and Recognition - Liu Xiaodong's works reflect the dynamics of contemporary Chinese art, with significant sales such as "Three Gorges New Immigrants" selling for 22 million yuan in 2006, setting a record for contemporary Chinese oil paintings [5] - His subsequent works have continued to break records, with "Battlefield Sketch - New Eighteen Arhats" selling for 55.73 million HKD in 2008 and "Violation" fetching 66.2 million HKD in 2014, solidifying his market position [6] Group 3: International Influence and Contributions - Liu Xiaodong is recognized as a pioneer of "new realism" in contemporary Chinese art, influencing a generation of young artists and breaking away from dogmatic concepts in the art world [6][7] - His practice demonstrates the enduring vitality of realism in contemporary art, connecting pre-modern history with collective memory amidst globalization [7] - Liu Xiaodong's contributions extend to academia as a professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, where he nurtures new generations of realist painters and promotes the "new realism" style [8]